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eBird Checklist – Prospect Park, Kings County, New York, US – Tue Feb 19, 2019 – 21 species

Note Three species Merganser day list submitted by Kathy Toomey

COMMON, RED BREASTED & HOODED. trifecta!

https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52951237

Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Feb 19, 2019

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Tue, Feb 19, 2019, 11:35 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Feb 19, 2019
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York, US
Feb 19, 2019 11:22 AM
Protocol: Incidental
1 species

Common Merganser  2     Large white bodied duck drake with clean crisp green head, hen Reddish head,less white. Striking even from distance

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52929237

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

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 11:21 AM on Tue, Feb 19, 2019:
Drake and hen COMMON MERGANSERS Prospect lake along Peninsula shore
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1097894038789869569?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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

BBC evening program tonight

7 pm at grand army plaza library

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Club (@BklynBirdClub) Tuesday Eve BBC program

Brooklyn Bird Club (@BklynBirdClub) tweeted at 8:18 PM on Mon, Feb 18, 2019:
Tomorrow Night! Tuesday Feb 19th 7PM. BBC Evening Presentation! Eric Powers: Quail vs Ticks .https://t.co/XCHj9Xbv04
(https://twitter.com/BklynBirdClub/status/1097666748571103234?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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

Last day GBBC

 I decided to go lazy today,not wanting to count everything like the lake or park on this dreary day. I aimed just for the feeders.

Typical as it has been at the feeders all winter,the usual suspects ruled. There was one bird "dressed" for the occasion. This was the Red bellied Woodpecker. I could see well a deep reddish color on the bird's belly; it's head look bright red as well. I guess it's ready for the breeding season, so an early start helps. The Red bellied out did the two GRACKLES, Red winged Blackbirds and Fox Sparrow.

Here's my list https://ebird.org/gbbc/view/checklist/S52904171

Karen O'hearn had a nice spectacle at 230 pm. She spotted a flyover Bald Eagle chased by close number of 50 Fish Crows,heading south southeast over Prospect Lake. Not everyday one sees that!

Talkin' Birds: The Great Backyard Bird Count : NPR

Our Brooklyn Bird Club Prospect walk was profiled on National Public Radio, walk led by Cyrus Baty and Tina Alleva

Hats off ,congrats to Cyrus and Tina!

https://www.npr.org/2019/02/16/695494292/talkin-birds-the-great-backyard-bird-count

Fwd: Great Backyard Bird Count Prospect Park. BBC WALK

You can't get too much winter in the winter. 

---Robert Frost

-----Original Message-----
From: Tina Alleva <tinamariealleva@gmail.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <ProsBird@aol.com>
Sent: Sat, Feb 16, 2019 03:37 PM
Subject: Great Backyard Bird Count Prospect Park

Hi Peter,

It was a beautiful day in Prospect Park to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. 9 people met Cyrus & I and we recorded 43 species between the morning and noon beginner walk. Red-tailed hawks were noticeably abundant and seemed to be everywhere we turned. 

At the lake we caught sight of the Hooded and Red-breasted Mergansers, then 5 European Goldfinches next to the wellhouse container as well as a Hermit Thrush. In the Nethermead we got close looks at a perched Merlin, while yet another Red-tailed hawk kept watch from nearby.

On our second pass of the lake with the noon beginner group, we were able to pick up the elusive Ring-Necked ducks off 3 sisters, as well as a swamp sparrow. 5 Common Grackles were also enjoying the feeders the second time around. 

The park today was full of bird song, surely a sign that spring is coming! 

Prospect Park, Kings, New York, US
Feb 16, 2019 8:49 AM - 2:45 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments:     Great Backyard Bird Count BBC walk. Lullwater, Feeders, Peninsula, Lake, Lookout, Nethermead & Ravine pools. 
42 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  101
Mute Swan  2
Northern Shoveler  34
American Wigeon  1
Mallard  20
American Black Duck  3
Ring-necked Duck  3
Hooded Merganser  3
Red-breasted Merganser  4
Ruddy Duck  26
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Mourning Dove  15
American Coot  8
Ring-billed Gull  37
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Great Blue Heron  1
Red-tailed Hawk  5
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  3
Merlin  1     Nethermead 
Blue Jay  20
crow sp.  8
Black-capped Chickadee  8
Tufted Titmouse  6
White-breasted Nuthatch  7
Carolina Wren  1
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  60
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  24
European Goldfinch  5
American Goldfinch  1
Fox Sparrow  2
Dark-eyed Junco  1
White-throated Sparrow  8
Song Sparrow  4
Swamp Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  4
Common Grackle  5     Feeders
Northern Cardinal  8
House Sparrow  25

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52779508

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

Fwd: GBBC eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 15, 2019

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Fri, Feb 15, 2019, 7:39 PM
Subject: GBBC eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 15, 2019
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>

Prospect Park, Kings, New York, US
Feb 15, 2019 10:00 AM - 2:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 mile(s)
31 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  178
Mute Swan  2
Northern Shoveler  132
Gadwall  1
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  40
American Black Duck  4
Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)  2
Hooded Merganser  4
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  20
Mourning Dove  3
American Coot  5
Ring-billed Gull  70
Herring Gull  13
Great Black-backed Gull  6
Downy Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  4
Black-capped Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  35
European Starling  53
European Goldfinch  1
American Goldfinch  10
Fox Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  16
Red-winged Blackbird  37
Common Grackle  3
Northern Cardinal  3
House Sparrow  13

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52744743

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

GBBC Day 1 Soaked ground

Super saturated ground highlighted my first day of the Great Backyard Bird Count. For a typical winter day in Prospect, the flooded west Nethermead took top honor for best action.

After my spell along the lake west edge and feeders, I took my route through the Nethermead. From the Mead's center grass ,I found a blackbird flock feeding along Western sector edge near the road. Among 53 starlings , over time as they joined in, 37 Redwinged Blackbirds weree joined by 3 Common GRACKLES. The flock eventually dissolved and moved around as the birds were wary and spooked easily.

Along the Lookout Hill edge o the Nethermead,snow ice melt filled up the super soaked ground. One GRACKLE walked thru a large puddle; 8 Goldfinches bathed beneath an oak tree; Robins were all around. Along the woods edge,I caught sight of a HERMIT THRUSH with White Throated sparrows.

At one of the Center Drive big sweetgums, the Goldfinches were joined by a single European Goldfinch. I'm told by a friend he saw much more of the latter at the Well house Sweetgums. I'm not surprised with the growing numbers as this hardy european species cause it has plenty to eat.

Venturing farther,I stopped by the Upper Pool. A single drake GADWALL was sort of a surprise there.

The lake continues to host both Hooded and Red breasted Merganser. However there was no sign of the Ring necked Ducks. ButBu did see 2 hen American Wigeon along the west shore and an impressive 132 Northern Shovelers

Yesterday Green winged teal

Seen by Orrin Tilevitz at Greenwood Cemetery Sylvan water

feeders all filled;lake ducks continue

I refilled all the feeders for the 4 day Great Backyard Bird Count, adding two new feeders for the big occasion. Don't forget to record your sightings on www.gbbc.org or use the usual Ebird report that is interfaced with GBBC. Have a fun time with the birds!

Today I was told that the RED BREASTED MERGANSER,HOODED MERGANSERS and RING NECKED DUCKS remain on Prospect Lake, all nice birds to record for the GBBC event.

to celebrate , join the Prospect Park Brooklyn Bird Club walk Saturday led by Cyrus Baty and Tina Alleva   http://brooklynbirdclub.org/event/the-great-backyard-bird-count-at-prospect-park/

document data to --> http://gbbc.birdcount.org/

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 10:00 AM on Thu, Feb 14, 2019:
Per Orrin T
Green-winged teal Sylvan Water greenwood cemtery
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1096061597590663168?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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

Common Goldeneye duck

Jean Shum reported a hen near the Brooklyn Bridge yesterday.

Great Backyard Bird Count

http://www.gbbc.org/

Starting this Friday thru Monday. Enjoy this terrific fun 4 day event regardless where you are ,even from your window.

Brooklyn Bird Club walk on Saturday in Prospect.

Greenwood Cemetery

ToDay per Orrin. Cooper's hawk Sylvan Water. Chipping Sparrow I was told is hanging out at the Crescent water feeders ,on n off

Bird Watching Tips and Tricks - Birding in the Digital Age

https://www.marthastewart.com/1512287/modern-bird-watching

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Club (@BklynBirdClub)

Brooklyn Bird Club (@BklynBirdClub) tweeted at 10:38 AM on Mon, Feb 11, 2019:
BBC Evening Presentation! Eric Powers: Quail vs Ticks Tuesday Feb 19th 7PM at Brooklyn Central Library.
https://t.co/XCHj9Xbv04
(https://twitter.com/BklynBirdClub/status/1094984001239040000?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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

Canada Goose band report

Below is the certificate of the Band I reported several weeks ago on the CAGO

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
AWARDED TO

PETER DOROSH
Species CANADA GOOSE
Age of Bird WAS TOO YOUNG TO FLY WHEN BANDED IN 2013
Location VARENNES, QUÉBEC, CANADA
Bander C/O JEAN RODRIGUE
Sex Male
Banding Data
Band Number 1078-14416 Y3T4 Banded 07/02/2013

Bander C/O JEAN RODRIGUE
QC-SCF-SAUVAGINE
801-1550 D'ESTIMAUVILLE
QUEBEC QC G1J 0C3

Encounter Data
Location 0.4 mi WNW of FLATBUSH, KINGS Encountered 01/10/2019
COUNTY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
Desc: PROSPECT PARK

Top birds in our local area

On this crisp chippy day, birders reported top quality birds in our local area.While it may mean sprring migration is in the very early stages or not,nevertheless the midwinter blues are mitigated.

A terrific find today at Bush Terminal Park unlike my dreadful experience with yesterday s winds is a hen EURASIAN WIGEON. Bearing a reddish head compared to the gray of the American,it was seen in the north cove. Both Kevin Topping and Tripper Paul were the observers.

 Moving to the east at Greenwood Cemetery, both a BLACK VULTURE and CHIPPING SPARROW were seen. Kevin saw the flyover vulture and Chris Laskowski with the Sparrow.

Then as it has been reported through the winter with many reports,an overwintering EASTERN PHOEBE continues it presence,one bird at Brooklyn Botanic Garden ,spotted by Danielle Gustafson.

With only a half a day to do something,I took my usual spell into Prospect. Delighted to see the same ducks yesterday, the single drake RED BREASTED MERGANSER is now outflanked by 6 HOODED MERGANSERs - up 4 from yesterday's number
,and 5 RING NECKED DUCKS hugging Three Sisters eastern island. The latter species up 3 birds were all drakes.

On a side note,the first I've seen the west island sweetgum tree Grove quite active this winter, 2 striking European Goldfinches mingled with the American Goldfinches, working hard on  the seed balls.

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Sun, Feb 10, 2019, 1:10 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Eurasian Wigeon (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

Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope) (1)
- Reported Feb 10, 2019 11:50 by Kevin Topping
- 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/view/checklist/S52558688
- Comments: "Female, reddish head as compared to gray of female American"

***********

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

Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
https://ebird.org/alerts

Prospect lake late afternoon "duckversity"

After my respite from my wind blown morning,I decided to visit prospect lake to see what the wind might've blown in
 It did.

First distant looks had me suspecting Red breasted Merganser and likely Ring Necked ducks.I already identified Hooded MERGANSERS in the lake center.So wanting to verify my sightings,it was best to get closer

At the Hammerhead peninsula,I was right about the Ring neckeds. A drake pair appears from the confides of Three Sisters.Prospect just had to outdo the lone Greenwood Cemetery bird I found earlier. The pair even joined up with the Hooded Mergansers.

But I wasn't satisfied.I still needed to verify the Red breasted. Getting to the east side of Three Sisters it took me ten minutes,but soon enough the drake Red breasted Merganser showed up while I was being batted by the still irksome winds.

Where's the windblock?

I love winter. It's in my genes as the season provides beauty,mystique,solitude and much quietude. But when it's windy, especially high winds,it's unforgivable. Whether it's me or the ducks,one smart strategy is get out of the winds' onslaught: seek wind block spots.

I took a ride to Bush Terminal Park. Because it's a great winter spot and I haven't been there awhile,I thought for a proximate location, it always offer nice birding. But as soon as I got out of my car,40 mile gusts slammed into me. Not good; as expected it was Jack Frost's naughtiness.I had to battle the frigid winds along the shore as several GADWALLS flew away.

In the second cove ,inside the rocky safe harbor,ducks sought wind block as well. Stationed on the leeward side of the rocky mound, AMERICAN WIGEONS,GADWALLS and plenty of the usual gull species rested. In the water close by a few good looking RED BREASTFED MERGANSERS provided nice looks from my wind block spot on the back side of the hill.

I continued on to the last cove at Bush. Unsurprisingly, the strong  winds continued unabated. But not before my retreat, i looked through my shaking scope Scaup , of both species numbering 8 all told. Riding the waves vastly outnumbering the Scaup,had to be about 130 BUFFLEHEADS. Their smart strategy was point their compact small bodies into the wind,as they bobbed up and down , occasionally diving. A wonderful winter scene with common species you can't appreciate enough.

Changing plans of heading to the Army Terminal and Bay Ridge pier,i opted for Greenwood Cemetery. I was curious about feeders there that i have yet to see. And feeders i did see at Crescent Water: at least ten of them !  It appears GWC officials want to not only attract birds but birders to come. I saw the usual titmice, goldfinches,chickadee, house finches and blue Jays. Most notably ,plenty of American Robins adding life to a dead winter locale. A note to add about the Robins in a second. But before i drove off, i noted two large blackbirds on a feeder. To my surprise,a pair of COMMON GRACKLES, holding off a stern looking BLUE JAY, obviously dismayed it had to deal with something bigger than itself.It appears the GRACKLES are a vernal omen! The groundhog may be right after all.

Getting back to the Robins, food is critical for these birds in midwinter.Adjacent to the Dell Water ( I'm hoping I got the names right), a mature bountiful berried Holly Tree was the main draw. In and out of this Holly tree sometimes hidden by its thick foliage, Robins foraged crazily. From a crypt's steps offering more me eye level seeing,I delighted watching a Robin gulped down the bright red Holly berries.

A last good bird before I left Greenwoods main gate at 5th Ave, was a duck that caught my gaze. A drake RING NECKED DUCK happened to be near the shore of Valley Water. A late word alerted me it flew to the Sylvan water to the south.

The life of winter; more enjoyable though without the high winds.

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 0:04 PM on Sat, Feb 09, 2019:
Drake Ring necked Duck greenwood cemtery Valley Water
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1094280927121952770?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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

Ridgewood reservoir ducks

Reported today as ice melted in the middle basin ,a mixed flock of REDHEAD and RING NECKED DUCKS ( T.Perky)

Tweet from Heidi (@heidicleven)

Heidi (@heidicleven) tweeted at 9:38 PM on Wed, Feb 06, 2019:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Fort Greene Park today. What a tongue! https://t.co/u06MKfc1Cn
(https://twitter.com/heidicleven/status/1093338185348931584?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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

An ICGU Back in Greenpoint

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 06, 2019 15:30 by Alan V. Bacchiochi
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7191302,-73.9652481&ll=40.7191302,-73.9652481
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52448935
- Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Bird landed on pier around 16:00. Its pale wingtips caught my attention. Wings when folded had white primaries with grey bars (3-4).  Legs were a bright pink The yellow bill had a green tinge and a reddish gonydeal spot. Size was just smaller than a Herring Gull. There were RBGUs, HERGs and a GBBG nearby for easy comparison of size."

Prospect Lake

Water opened at the center adjacent to Three Sisters Islands. With the Shovelers, a pair of Hooded Mergansers sailed around. The drake and hen are having a go at enjoying the open space.

Fwd: Fwd: Cooper's Hawk Prospect Park 2/3/19

-----Original Message-----
From: The Frumps <frumps@msn.com>
To: ProsBird@aol.com <ProsBird@aol.com>
Sent: Mon, Feb 4, 2019 04:26 PM
Subject: Fwd: Cooper's Hawk Prospect Park 2/3/19

First Sunday Walk

Begin forwarded message:

From: The Frumps <frumps@msn.com>

Subject: Cooper's Hawk Prospect Park 2/3/19

Date: February 4, 2019 at 4:22:46 PM EST

To: neal frumkin <nealrr@outlook.com>

Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Feeders, Feb 2, 2019

Note 6 Fox Sparrows

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Sat, Feb 2, 2019, 8:32 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Feeders, Feb 2, 2019
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, New York, US
Feb 2, 2019 11:22 AM - 11:37 AM
Protocol: Stationary
13 species

Mourning Dove  5
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  1
Black-capped Chickadee  1
Tufted Titmouse  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Fox Sparrow  6
Dark-eyed Junco  1
White-throated Sparrow  5
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Northern Cardinal  3
House Sparrow  17

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S52316502

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

Nature Walks with Bradley Klein: Winter Nature Walk III - Brooklyn Botanic Garden

https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/nature_walks_with_bradley_klein_winter_nature_walk_iii?fbclid=IwAR3KdIsnLLNWYPNLG4rAvEXz_3mHExgKFE2nf6DJVB7aVYjo4lzrKsxjHfI

If it's a tundra,it must be still winter

On a day the groundhog says spring will be early, it's still though Winter. And winter visitors like a Brooklyn TUNDRA SWAN makes that case as Bush Terminal Pier Park hosted a single individual today.

First seen by Linda Ewing,confirmed later by Shane Blodgett,the rare swan was found in the inlet cove by the park entrance. It only stayed briefly before birders thru the grapevine responded to its sighting and the search was on.

Hours later,Joshua Malbin found the Tundra from the Columbia St Pier in Red Hook, the swan was inside the bulkheads docks adjacent to Sunset Park's Industry City near 33rd St. Unfortunately access was restricted.

However good news and maybe a Sunday treat, Mike Yuan reported the Tundra Swan back in its original spot at Bush Terminal Park near 4 pm. Closing time is about this time for the park.

Good luck

Happy Groundhog day!

According to reports, both celebre grounhogs-- Staten Island and Punxsutawney -- saw no shadow; therefore spring is arriving early!

Fwd: Winter asterism

A prominent pattern in the winter night sky ( if you are courageous to tempt the cold night!)

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Jan 31, 2019 6:14 pm
Subject: Winter asterism

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/51344627_2289479424404701_2072002123213570048_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=f796a671c442f2f5efdd1ed1dcc6d323&oe=5CB474A6