Prospect Park Bird Sightings & North Brooklyn Nature News

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Mew Gull versus Ringbilled gull for better chance finding the former

https://gullstothehorizon-wordpress-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/gullstothehorizon.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/ring-billed-gulls-vs-common-gulls-comparison-from-a-dutch-perspective-201402/amp/?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQHKAFQArABIA%3D%3D#aoh=16132422019950&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fgullstothehorizon.wordpress.com%2F2014%2F03%2F06%2Fring-billed-gulls-vs-common-gulls-comparison-from-a-dutch-perspective-201402%2F

Mew Gull pplake

Mew Gull (Larus canus) (1)
- Reported Feb 12, 2021 15:50 by Dennis Hrehowsik 🦆
- 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/S81025144
- Comments: "Juvenile bird on prospect lake of the common gull variety canus canus I believe. Superficially similar to rig bills with slim black tipped bill and pale grey greater coverts. Seen through Doug Gotchfield's scope. thanks for the park bird assist Doug!"

Friday, February 12, 2021

Mew gull pplake

Best vantage has been the southwest shore closest to three sisters island "the Hammerhead" late afternoon or earlier best chance....

Mew Gull (Larus canus) (1)
- Reported Feb 12, 2021 16:10 by Carl Biers
- 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/S81014316
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Found with Rob Bate. Very likely continuing bird seen for several days by many birders. Thin, pointy greyish bill with black tip, smaller than nearby RBGU. Photos tk"

Still there but at waterfront garden glaucous gull

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 12, 2021 13:02 by Heydi Lopes
- Pier 44 Waterfront Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6757764,-74.018366&ll=40.6757764,-74.018366
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80945543
- Comments: "Pics to be added

Fwd: Mew gull mid-afternoon PPLake

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Charles Tang <charles.tang@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 12, 2021, 5:26 PM
Subject: Mew gull
To: Peter Dorosh <Prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

I saw the Mew gull at Prospect Park two days in a row. I didn't see it in the morning. It showed up around 3 to 4.15 pm at the middle of the lake. It may just came in for the fresh water. It may be flying back to the army terminal Pier. You will need a scope to see it.

Charles

Thursday, February 11, 2021

eBird Checklist - 11 Feb 2021 - Prospect Park--Feeders - 14 species 7 pine siskins

https://ebird.org/checklist/S80820257

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) PP Feeders. Siskins

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 1:55 PM on Thu, Feb 11, 2021:
Currently 7 Pine siskins on thistle feeders with gray Catbird fox Sparrow prospect feeders.tomorrow the GBBC begins!
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1359939033640673282?s=03)

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

Glaucous hangs around at Red Hook IKEA

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 11, 2021 11:05 by The Wildlab
- Erie Basin Park, IKEA (Brooklyn), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6711639,-74.0129375&ll=40.6711639,-74.0129375
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80807652
- Comments: "Large & stocky. Immature, completely cafe latte colored including primaries. Resting on pier in Erie Basin, then flew overhead to ikea parking lot, lost track of it there."

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

best chances for PP Mew Gull

Based on the reports, it appears ones best chance is after noontime into 3 pm give or take.

Good luck!

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

--Carl Sagan

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

continuing today MEW GULL european subspecies on Prospect Lake, a scope is necessary unless an expert has it already for viewing.. Good luck

Its likely the same visiting BAT Pier 4 in Sunset Park coast.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Wed, Feb 10, 2021 at 8:38 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Mew Gull (1 report)
- Mew Gull (European) (1 report)
- 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.

eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully

Mew Gull (Larus canus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 10, 2021 15:30 by Lisa Scheppke
- 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/S80781178
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Thanks to Doug Gochfeld for finding, posting and for pointing the Mew Gull out to me when I got there. It is teh first I have seen in NY. Photos uploaded."

Mew Gull (European) (Larus canus canus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 10, 2021 13:36 by Doug Gochfeld
- 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/S80784106
- Media: 24 Photos
- Comments: "***Very rare. Continuing first-winter/juvenile/2CY. Found it standing on the ice for the second day in a row around 13:55. Today it spent most of the rest of its time in the lake in east view, unlike yesterday. Today it only went missing once, for around 20 minutes. Flew off to the west and out of the park ~15:55. Most of its time was spent fairly distant on the ice, but it moved around quite a bit, and just before it departed for the evening it was very close to the western shore, allowing for exceptionally good looks. Video, photos (much better than yesterday)."

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (2)
- Reported Feb 10, 2021 14:20 by Tom Preston
- Gravesend Bay, southern parking lot, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.5972024,-74.0049123&ll=40.5972024,-74.0049123
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80782781
- Comments: "Photos"

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 10, 2021 13:36 by Doug Gochfeld
- 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/S80784106
- Comments: "*Uncommon. Juvenile bathing in open water in center of mostly frozen lake. Could be the chunky paler individual that I've seen on the lake several times over the past week."

***********

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

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/

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

--Carl Sagan

Tweet from Erik (@poeticGibberish) PPLake MEW GULL

Erik (@poeticGibberish) tweeted at 6:42 PM on Wed, Feb 10, 2021:
Mew Gull @prospect_park Lake @BirdBrklyn Thank you to all the expert birders for pointing this one out. https://t.co/Bnl0ntXqJT
(https://twitter.com/poeticGibberish/status/1359649008277479425?s=03)

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

Tweet from JJ (@JJ_bkny)

JJ (@JJ_bkny) tweeted at 2:00 PM on Wed, Feb 10, 2021:
Juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull (I think)... with something to say! From 2/9 https://t.co/rf3NCozwKd
(https://twitter.com/JJ_bkny/status/1359577882666893316?s=03)

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

eBird Checklist - 10 Feb 2021 - Prospect Park--Feeders - 16 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S80781693

Very good variety today of 16 species in a short timespan highlighted by 6 Pine Siskins ( that sent me back to my storage area to get more thistle).

Catbird,Red Fox Sparrow,Carolina Wren adds color.

And thanks to Michelle Truong for donating ten lbs of black oiled sunflower seed that was immediately used for the feeders.

This bodes well for this weekend's Great Backyard Bird Count starting Friday. Get out and count in the midwinter festival! 🐦🐧🦉

The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News. Ethics of owl birding

https://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/segments

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) feeders pine siskins

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 0:43 PM on Wed, Feb 10, 2021:
6 Pine Siskins at Prospect feeders
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1359558573823582209?s=03)

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

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Prospect Lake MEW GULL ** & Lesser Black backed gull yesterday

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2021, 8:47 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Mew Gull (European) (1 report)
- Lesser Black-backed 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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully

Mew Gull (European) (Larus canus canus) (1)
- Reported Feb 09, 2021 13:55 by Doug Gochfeld
- 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/S80732290
- Comments: "***Very rare! Apparently the same individual that has been intermittently seen at the Brooklyn Army Terminal pier since early December, first found by Andrew Baksh, and regularly monitored since by Shane Blodgett. Juvenile/first-winter/2nd calendar year small white-headed gull. Size of Ring-billed, perhaps a bit less bulky. Obviously thinner, more diminutive bull, with a pale, unsaturated bone/light gray colored base, and a dark tip, more extensive on the lower mandible. Brown smudging on the neck, and in a cowl around the nape, least concentrated on the front/upper-breast. Dark secondary bar, pale gray greater coverts, light gray-brown non-contrasty median coverts that were neat, fairly wide, and not patterned with white (but dark central shafts were visible in a scope). Innermost tertials brown, outermost tertials gray. Comparison of digiscoped video of this bird and substantially higher quality images of the Brooklyn Army Terminal bird seem to support that it is the same individual. I first saw it perched on the ice away from most other gulls around 14:05, when I had an intriguing look in binoculars, then got it in the scope for several seconds. As it looked very good for Mew Gull I immediately tried to get photos, but simultaneously all the gulls on the lake freaked out and lifted off, and I lost it immediately. I spent therest of my time here vigilantly scanning and trying to refind this individual. Around 14:50 it suddenly appeared bathing on the small bit of open water in the middle of the frozen lake, and I was able to study it for a couple of minutes and take an eh-quality digiscoped video. It flew out of the frame while I was recording and I was unable to re-find it even though I began looking immediately."

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (2)
- Reported Feb 09, 2021 13:55 by Doug Gochfeld
- 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/S80732290
- Comments: "Two juveniles/first-winters. One with replaced mantle feathers (on the paler more patterned end) on the lake upon my arrival, last seen around 14:02. This first one could have been the individual that was on the lake on the 5th and 6th, but while it looked similar plumage-wise, it also looked sleeker and smaller-billed. One more typical darker bird appeared around 15:40. Photos of both."

***********

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

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/

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Club (@BklynBirdClub). Evening virtual program 2/16

Brooklyn Bird Club (@BklynBirdClub) tweeted at 9:36 AM on Wed, Feb 10, 2021:
BBC Evening Presentation: SAVE THE CHOCO WITH JAMES MUCHMORE Via Zoom FEBRUARY 16 @ 7:00 PM
Details here: https://t.co/UFcjiNoF16 https://t.co/wpjpsLQ8Vv
(https://twitter.com/BklynBirdClub/status/1359511551238148097?s=03)

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

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Redstart Birding: Optics, Gear, Expertise

https://redstartbirding.com/

Started by former employees of Eagle Optics. A good source for reference and buying optics

Also as well

https://featheredgeoptics.org/spotting-scopes/

Great Backyard Bird Count

Coming up this weekend starting Friday. An enjoyable event..whether outside trekking or inside watching your bird feeder.

https://www.birdcount.org/

Monday, February 8, 2021

BAT pier 4 Black-headed Gull

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) (1)
- Reported Feb 08, 2021 08:44 by Daniel Smith
- Pier 4, New York US-NY 40.64830, -74.02868, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.648296,-74.02868&ll=40.648296,-74.02868
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80646930
- Comments: "Small gull, rounder head, narrow beak than RBGU. Photos"

Wild bird fund ,please donate

https://www.facebook.com/325123213730/posts/10158356775393731/?sfnsn=mo

Saturday, February 6, 2021

GWC redpoll

Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) (1)
- Reported Feb 06, 2021 16:05 by Brad Vatrt
- 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/S80550014
- Comments: "Small finch, with a sharp beak, red cap. Seen in Dell water reeds near the feeders."

Black-headed Gull on Prospect Lake

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) (1)
- Reported Feb 06, 2021 12:00 by Doug Gochfeld
- 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/S80542312
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Juvenile on the ice- first detected at 13:19, flew off to the west at 13:28. Photos."

Still there at red hook. GLGU

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 06, 2021 09:42 by Peter Paul
- Pier 44 Waterfront Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6757764,-74.018366&ll=40.6757764,-74.018366
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80510125
- Comments: "Continuing young bird seen flying from ikea to pier 44 and then resting on pier 44. White wings, bicolored bill with pink base. Photos."

Friday, February 5, 2021

Prospect lake lesser black backed gull immature

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2021 13:44 by Max Epstein
- 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/S80483462
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Pointed out to me by Doug as it was preening on the ice with other gulls. Immature type, slightly smaller than Herring Gull with pale head, dark mottled wings and back, paler below, all black bill. Took a couple photos through scope."

Continuing Glaucous gull at red hook ikea

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2021 14:30 by Maureen Matthews
- Erie Basin Park, IKEA (Brooklyn), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6711639,-74.0129375&ll=40.6711639,-74.0129375
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80473060
- Comments: "Continuing bird. Showing nicely on southwest pier"

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Doube dose of Carolina

Its a long walk from my home to the feeders when carrying 20 pounds of seed. But the reward was a double feature of Carolina Wren.

With no option but to carry the seed to the empty feeders given the snow, it was worth the effort . On one suet I spotted one Carolina;seconds later I saw the same species below to my near right.My mind begins speculating.. I was able to confirm two with each seen on both suet feeders. For stark winter,its a bird that brightens the scenery along with the Cardinals and blue jays.Oh throw in the Red bellied Woodpecker too

I hope the seed lasts till I'm able to get in there by wheels.

Fwd: cooper's hawk

In Greenwood cemetery

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Orrin Tilevitz <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2021
Subject: cooper's hawk
To: "prosbird@gmail.com" <prosbird@gmail.com>

Grove Avenue.

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

--Carl Sagan

About - WorldWetlandsDay

https://www.worldwetlandsday.org/about

Missed this by two days but everyday should be a conservation effort

New York Breeding Bird Atlas Checklist - 4 Feb 2021 - Prospect Park - 33 species (+1 other taxa)

https://ebird.org/atlasny/checklist/S80405265

Note wood duck fish crows hooded merganser yellow bellied sapsucker

Prospect Park, Kings County, NY, US - eBird Hotspot

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109516?yr=cur&m=2

Notables Pine Siskins and Ring necked Duck still around Feb 3rd.also winter wren Carolina wren brown creeper hermit thrrush worthy finds

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

eBird Checklist - 3 Feb 2021 - Prospect Park--Feeders - 12 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S80387066

Given the snow conditions, it's a good showing when you can see two FOX SPARROWS on the platform feeder, Gray Catbird on the ground with a conservative number of 33 White throated Sparrows . Cardinals are numerous. The Tufted Titmouse was brightly plumaged, with flanks yellow ochre .

I hope to add more seed but with the past three days intense snow removal and my Toro snowbound without snow tires, it's touch and go.

IKEA Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 03, 2021 14:34 by Richard Fleming
- Erie Basin Park, IKEA (Brooklyn), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6711639,-74.0129375&ll=40.6711639,-74.0129375
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S80374090
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing, on the usual pier (at the extreme southwest corner of the IKEA parking lot / park)"