Ruby throated hummingbird nest in Prospect Ravine fo

Anhinga breeding range going northward

Interesting read about the northward expansion of Anhinga nesting..It might be a matter of time before we see one in the NYC metro area?

https://ccbbirds.org/2018/08/23/anhingas-march-north/

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

A day after the rush

Today was an anticlimax to yesterdays surge of birds. Quiet woods except for several avian notables reign the day.It might be said yesterday's birds did a a rush job.

Being delayed for long with unfavorable weather the past weeks, it seems that birds needed to get to their breeding territories asap. Usually it's three waves or surges in May springs and the first wave is late.

Nevetheless for today there were a few noteworthy birds. If you like Bluewinged warbler, one was spotted at Center drive bridle trail according to Ryan Mandlebaum. An acquaintance i ran into after work in the Ravine asked me to identify a bird on her camera. It was an Olive-sided flycatcher, atop a snag along the path from the zoo compost towards the Vale Cashmere.She also mentioned seeing Wormeating warbler in the Midwood and Gray cheeked thrush behind Lily Pool.

Canada Warbler ,always a cool bird, popped up at Lookout Hill switchback trail;ditto for White eyed vireo at Nethermead (3 arches) bridge ) south side Creek.

A second Cerulean Warbler surfaced but in Greenwood Cemetery ,heard by its call on Central Ridge south of Valley Water.

Brooklyn birdathon this Saturday

From  Bobbi Manian ( event coordinator)

Posted:

WITH PERMISSION FROM ADMINS:The Brooklyn Bird Club Birdathon is coming up this Saturday!  This year's cause is the NYC Plover Project and of interest to birders in both Queens and Brooklyn.  We'd love to have you participate!  find out more at http://brooklynbirdclub.org/event/spring-birdathon-2023/

NOW BACK TO BIRDING.. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.

BirdCast - Bird migration forecasts in real-time

https://birdcast.info/

Latest positive outlook for Monday and Tuesday

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

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109516 

Obviously ,  it would be too much to report on this Super Sunday everything seen today. Out of 126 species birds reported today in Prospect-25 species warblers- I ll select one bird that epitomizes the day's abundance, a Cerulean Warbler.

First reported in the Midwood by Joshua, this bird did something unlike its character: it came down to eye level. Typically a canopy bird ,the male Cerulean eventually wound up in the Ravine Ambergill Creek area. I saw the tweet and with time to kill before my afternoon social,i made the long trek from home to see this bird. And what I found west of Ambergill Falls along the path was a Cerulean that stayed true to one young Ironwood Hornbeam , always staying within and remarkably low. So low that the horde of birders all succeeded observing this azure colored Cerulean. It was indeed ridiculous. Sometimes we get lucky some springs.

In another astounding Sunday sighting, Forrest Wickman reported a mega rarity at Greenwood Cemetery. High in thermal flight, a Sandhill Crane was seen . We don't get this too often in Kings.

Greenwood finished the day with 118 species, better than Saturdays total 107. 

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L285884

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L285884

Holy Spark Boid

This Sunday morning I arrived in Prospect Park before 6 am.  I wanted to take advantage of the rosy bird forecast with southwestern winds. I only had an hour and half before church services. Despite the short stay ,I succeeded with my holy Spark boid, Scarlet Tanager.

Along Well Drive, it was predicted às expected: bird movement. First an Eastern Kingbird was seen flycatching. Then a steady stream of Yellow rumped warblers followed. I saw 7 together in one tree but obviously there were much more. Joshua who came by saw most of the  "rumps" take off towards Lookout Hill, a good 50 at least.

Going up the Hill, i was surprised not to see much. But eventually l get to Butterfly Meadow and here I found my spark boid the tanager. It was easy pickings because the bird shone through the oak leaves. Two Scarlet Tanagers sat in the northwest oak . Later during a celebratory beer sit-down ,Ryan G tells me he had 15 scarlets at Greenwood cemetery  on his walk both impressive and evidence of this species major movement today.

I heard also from Ryan he tallied 85 species at Greenwood . A bonus tree happened to be a reknown Bald Cypress at Valley Water.

It was obviously "breakout " day today. I was glad to get at least some birding in today.

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) cerulean warbler ravine Ambergill creek

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 3:27 PM on Sun, May 07, 2023:
Cerulean warbler continuing in Ironwood hornbeam adjacent path west of Prospect Ambergill Falls
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1655293362004455425?t=4tW25VN2nPcsJCi-KC24qQ&s=03) 

Tweet from Pete Brush (@PeteBrush) prairie warbler photo

Pete Brush (@PeteBrush) tweeted at 11:27 AM on Sat, May 06, 2023:
Prairie Warbler @bbpnyc Pier 1 @BirdBrklyn #birding #BirdTwitter #birds https://t.co/KLeBADmCZb
(https://twitter.com/PeteBrush/status/1654870575280521217?t=qbNbHGBGv8atwy2WWHb8XA&s=03) 

"Warblenek" and birders

What's great to see nowadays is the beauty of birding attracting so many birders into the hobby. That was evident today from two main Brooklyn bird club sponsored walks. From those walks you get to see the enthusiasm and teamwork in helping each other finding birds.

I happened to join in on Dennis's walk which attracted  over 30 birders . From the Pergola we walked along the lake edge. Here and there we found several warblers, including a Blue winged midway. I didn't get to see that bird as the leafed out tree "hid" the bird. As recompense,I did see a gorgeous male Rose breasted Grosbeak feeding on elm seed, helped by Kathy getting on the bird.

Many birds were high up. There is  a well known affectionate term " Warblenek" ,the pain of holding your head straight up for so long,the blood rushing down and your neck screams in agony😅. I did that alot today.

A second group-- the first Saturday-- from the boathouse had 70 people! That group was split up in three,fortunately each led by a great birder. The sight of many birders bodes well in the future and keeps the spirit alive for the survival of birds.

As I broke off to bird on my own,I headed for Lookout Hill. Enroute a birder photographer got me on a Black throated Green warbler, with excellent low views. The same could be said of the always favorite Blackburnian Warbler atop Lookout Hill and Butterfly Meadow,  drawn to both by kind birders. I don't always get them all nowadays but certain birds do make my day. Gone are the days when I used to regularly get 32-35 warbler species every spring when I had the time and excellent sight.

 Even when I heard about Yellow throated Warbler in Southern Midwood or Yellow billed Cuckoo at Maryland Monument, I didn't pursue them. My philosophy is to relax and enjoy the pace. You don't need to go crazy and get them all the same day.

As mentioned in a previous post, the park today had 113 species. My take was it wasn't a fallout but more of a collective effort by many birders,many eyes finding birds here and there.

Sunday should be a good day. Go out and enjoy it.

. 

BBC Saturday walk

Led by Dennis

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Dennis Hrehowsik <deepseagangster@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, May 6, 2023, 9:15 PM
Subject:
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>, Tom Stephenson <12toms@gmail.com>, Roberta <roberta.manian@gmail.com>

Great to se you today Peter it was a pleasant surprise. Good walk today with 71 species blackburnian and cape May highlights, with new arrivals like eastern king bird Nashville and blue wing.


71species (+4 other taxa)

Canada Goose  6
Mute Swan  2
Wood Duck  6
Mallard  3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  3
Mourning Dove  10
Chimney Swift  15
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Spotted Sandpiper  2
Laughing Gull  6
Herring Gull  10
Herring Gull (American)  1
Double-crested Cormorant  10
Great Blue Heron  1
Green Heron  1
Osprey  2
Cooper's Hawk  2
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  6
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  3
Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Eastern Kingbird  1
Blue-headed Vireo  5
Warbling Vireo  6
Red-eyed Vireo  3
Blue Jay  8
Fish Crow  1
Barn Swallow  2
Barn Swallow (American)  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
House Wren  3
House Wren (Northern)  2
Carolina Wren  2
European Starling  10
Gray Catbird  4
Veery  2
Gray-cheeked Thrush  1     In the midwood green back grey cheek cold heart.
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  26
Cedar Waxwing  3
House Sparrow  12
House Finch  1
Purple Finch  1
American Goldfinch  5
Chipping Sparrow  5
White-throated Sparrow  4
Song Sparrow  3
Eastern Towhee  2
Orchard Oriole  1
Baltimore Oriole  3
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  8
Ovenbird  2
Northern Waterthrush  2
Blue-winged Warbler  1
Black-and-white Warbler  5
Nashville Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  3
Northern Parula  4
Yellow Warbler  3
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1
Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
Palm Warbler  1
Palm Warbler (Yellow)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  15
Black-throated Green Warbler  4
Blackburnian 1
Cape may 1
Northern Cardinal  3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1

Best,

Dennis W Hrehowsik
President Brooklyn Bird Club

Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings County, NY, US - eBird Hotspot

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1902982

For a 68 acre park that only half is habitat, 55 species is grand

Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County, NY, US - eBird Hotspot

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L285884

Greenwood did just as well,only 7 short of Prospect. A good day that should continue into Sunday.

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

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109516

A really good day of bird diversity even with everything leaf out. Collectively , 113 species reported today. Check the link .

Tweet from Jeremy Nadel (@jeremynadel) WEWA Photo

Jeremy Nadel (@jeremynadel) tweeted at 6:30 PM on Fri, May 05, 2023:
Worm-eating Warbler on trail to Lookout Hill this am in PP https://t.co/62Y8ZeWms6
(https://twitter.com/jeremynadel/status/1654614570520965120?t=yJMJq_TFRCV_lud9gxaXCw&s=03) 

Tweet from Ed Crowne (@ecrowne) yb cuckoo

Ed Crowne (@ecrowne) tweeted at 8:08 AM on Sat, May 06, 2023:
Yellow billed Cuckoo near Maryland monument. Spotted by Tom D.
(https://twitter.com/ecrowne/status/1654820371273596928?t=_7zleuLpncD1VB0oo5g_UA&s=03) 

Tweet from Ed Crowne (@ecrowne) yellow throated warbler

Ed Crowne (@ecrowne) tweeted at 10:27 AM on Sat, May 06, 2023:
Yellow throated Warbler in Midwood, Prospect Park near carousel. Spotted by Tom D.
(https://twitter.com/ecrowne/status/1654855416201850884?t=yaw1zdCm0NpVtSa23aDAwg&s=03) 

The prelude

In the prelude of what could be the breakout birding weekend, Friday offered some delights, quality birds in the region.

Historic Fort Greene Park --not always mentioned due to its small size-- does attract quality birds. Today at the high ground near the Martyrs monument, Blue Grosbeak and Summer Tanager made the grade.

Back home in Prospect, good warblers are the main draw.Yellow throated warbler moved along to the Boulder Bridge high in the tree canopy. Farther north in the vicinity of Payne Hill past the closed off stairs, the Kentucky Warbler sang.And there is the Wormeating, making rounds at Lookout hills Butterfly Meadow; it was spotted at the dirt track leading up to the summit.

For sandpiper enthusiasts, both Solitary and Spotted continue, the former in the Vale Cashmere pool.

Gray cheeked thrush and Orchard Orioles might be other pursuits.

The ANHINGA remarkably sticks around after almost two weeks now, still favoring the comfort of Three Sisters Islands.

Good birding hopefully to you this weekend.

BirdCast - Bird migration forecasts in real-time

https://birdcast.info/ 

Looks like the next few days will be birdier especially Monday..

Enjoy your weekend

-kb

Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) WEWA butterfly mead

Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 9:55 AM on Fri, May 05, 2023:
Worm eating warbler continues by butterfly meadow
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/1654485083493920777?t=6xWP7SXfBnQzAw4E8HxejQ&s=03) 

ny times article on anhinga Inc 2 BBC members qouted

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/04/science/anhinga-brooklyn-devil-bird.html?action=click&module=Well&pgtype=Homepage&section=Science 

Fwd: Thursday walk report

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ryan Goldberg <ryan.goldberg@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, May 4, 2023, 4:52 PM
Subject: Thursday walk report
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

I substituted for Tom on the Thursday walk today. It felt more like fall than spring, with intermittent cold rain putting a damper on the morning. That said, close to 20 people turned out and we were rewarded with some excellent sightings. The highlights were a vocal Worm-eating Warbler in the north Midwood, a singing Wilson's Warbler in the Peninsula, and a quintet of thrushes (Hermit, Wood, Gray-cheeked, Swainson's, Veery). The Anhinga also continued for those who made it to the lake. Thankfully this weekend's forecast looks like the end of this chilly spell.

In total, 66 species. Here is the list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S136050392

Ryan

Anhinga Video from twitter

https://twitter.com/Richard36971987/status/1653974039520505859?s=20 

Adventurous Kentuckian

We have ourselves an adventurous Kentuckian.

Today's Kentucky Warbler seems to be all over the place within the confides of the Mid wood of Prospect. First I heard it was traveling in south Mid wood,moving along the ridge of Elephants Hill . Then  a ways to the northeast range of the section. Last it appears to settle in at the near center of the Mid wood by the road fork.
In any case, it's not an easy bird to see despite its singing.

The Mid wood also yields a Hooded Warbler at its extreme southwest range. At the beginning of Elephant Hills road,one was reported there where the bridle trail begins.

For an otherwise seemingly slow day, a Cliff Swallow might get your interest, seen near West Island ;or southwest prospect lake.

The Lake continues to harbor the Anhinga. Staying true to one set of islands, it was seen at the 3 Sisters  Islands South.

Other good birds posted on the checklist made it worthwhile birding. Solitary sandpiper at an eastern puddle of Long Meadow, Spotted sandpiper, Northern Harrier, common loon,Lincoln Sparrow, purple finch, rough winged swallow,yellow throated vireo,bald eagle,a nightjar in mid wood joined swainsons, veery and gray cheeked thrushes. Surprisingly 100 species were reported today for a chilly day.

--
"A flower blossoms for its own joy." — Oscar Wilde

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) PP Anhinga continues

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 8:32 AM on Wed, May 03, 2023:
The Anhinga continues at Three Sisters Islands on the south side of the Prospect Park Lake, reports Gus Keri.
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/1653739235973767170?t=dq0a-WTqOpvYrWpOAxL3Og&s=03) 

Tweet from Lotus Winnie Lee (@lotuswinnielee) gwc blue grosbeak

Lotus Winnie Lee (@lotuswinnielee) tweeted at 1:54 AM on Wed, May 03, 2023:
The gorgeous💙💙Blue Grosbeak ⁦@GreenWoodHF⁩ last night 5/2/2023. Many thanks to ⁦Manhattan Bird Alert ⁦@BirdCentralPark⁩ for directing me there at the very last minute after work! If you have not seen it yet, GO!💙💙 #bluegrosbeak #grosbeak #birdwatching #wildlife https://t.co/DqMYnY3TlX
(https://twitter.com/lotuswinnielee/status/1653639062585061381?t=MW8oICHduxfdQBGV-BNuUA&s=03) 

Tweet from Elizabeth Paredes (@ElizabethP501) gwc blue Grosbeak

Elizabeth Paredes (@ElizabethP501) tweeted at 8:59 AM on Wed, May 03, 2023:
#bluegrosbeak yesterday 05/02/2023 @GreenWoodHF by Dell Water. https://t.co/uMuCOAkxCE
(https://twitter.com/ElizabethP501/status/1653745989570658304?t=daYXIpfCn6BqdzK0jMZ93w&s=03) 

Tweet from Elizabeth Paredes (@ElizabethP501) indigo buntings gwc

Elizabeth Paredes (@ElizabethP501) tweeted at 9:24 AM on Wed, May 03, 2023:
#indigobuntings seen yesterday 05/02/2023 by Dell Water @GreenWoodHF https://t.co/4rKbf7SADN
(https://twitter.com/ElizabethP501/status/1653752375901921280?t=env75ONev5a_U_5PCwjLsQ&s=03) 

Tuesday summary

Here's a quick overview of today's highlights:

The Kentucky Warbler in Prospect moved into the Ravine,heard but not seen.

On the Peninsula tip or rustic shelter, EdC found a yellow throated warbler.

A Solitary Sandpiper now lingers at Lily Pool, presumably the same one from Nethermead.

Gray cheeked or Bicknells are in for Prospect. Hearing it's song is a ID clincher

Over at Greenwood s Dellwater, a very cooperative male adult Blue Grosbeak was on the ground above the waters edge. 

Overall it was a slow day with scattered reports including Scarlet Tanager seen by the BBC walk group (Manian)

Blue jays memory

I recalled the days of my 

youth in Brooklyn's Wallabout neighborhood when my Mom would hear the Blue Jay and beckon me to the rear window. And there I watch with admiration the noisy but beautiful Blue Jay.

Those days are long ago but I remembered it vividly.Window watching for birds became sort of a hobby itself ,hoping to see the blue jay; but that was enlightened by eventually the cardinal until one day I was rewarded with my spark bird, a breeding spring male Scarlet Tanager. That's when the seeds of my birding career began 48 springs ago.

Fast forward to today , the Blue jay of my youth made a prominent entrance up on Butterfly meadow. While working my assignment clearing paths, I just happened to look up and see a flyover Blue Jay-not one,not two nor three: try a minimum 40. They were migrating, in patchy flocks ,like late catch-ups heading north. Not many people are aware Blue Jays do migrate. As short distance migrants when acorns go through their cyclical crop dives,the beloved Blue Jay has to move on south.

So, whatever way people see Blue Jays,let it be a lesson, despite the jays common presence, we should appreciate the jays role in creating the great oak forest of northern North America, simply because they like to bury acorns they forget later where they planted it;and other birds like warblers that eat insects hosting on keystone oaks, should thank the Jays as absent-minded Johnny Appleseeds .

 And what would be a forest be without the noisy Jay? They provide character and presence where they are. They shall always remain my favorite.

🐦

Tweet from RobBate (@robsbirder) solitary sp Lily pool

RobBate (@robsbirder) tweeted at 4:10 PM on Tue, May 02, 2023:
Solitary Sandiper Lily Pool seen from Binnen Bridge
(https://twitter.com/robsbirder/status/1653492157758558222?t=HirHB_5kk3mOb0K_LxvdLQ&s=03) 

Tweet from Elizabeth Paredes (@ElizabethP501) lovely pic of white eyed vireo

Elizabeth Paredes (@ElizabethP501) tweeted at 9:08 PM on Mon, May 01, 2023:
#whiteeyedvireo early today by Sylvan Water @GreenWoodHF https://t.co/lxU6taF30C
(https://twitter.com/ElizabethP501/status/1653204761477279744?t=mg5-cY1ZpoTDxu8uRM6M6w&s=03) 

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) Anhinga Tuesday

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 11:25 AM on Tue, May 02, 2023:
The Anhinga continues this Tuesday by Three Sisters Islands on the Prospect Park Lake.
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/1653420378696343553?t=gc-7-nbyGU20LgxGThwsmQ&s=03) 

Fw: yesterday;'s WCS

White crowned Sparrow from greenwood yesterday per Orrin

"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow."

--Audrey Hepburn

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Orrin Tilevitz 

To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@aol.com>

Sent: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 09:27:06 AM EDT

Subject: yesterday;'s WCS

After the deluge, a Kentucky bird and more stuff

The weekend's deluge bought in some good stragglers into out area Monday. Even though Birdcast.com didn't predict favorable conditions, If you have the time ,patience and luck, you are bound to see something.

And a lucky birder was Michelle T who spotted a Kentucky Warbler. Along the path just south of Falkill falls at the road fork where there is a boulder, Michelle spotted the Kentucky on the slope rising up from Upper Pool. It appears this bird favors this area next to the second falls on the south side even though it flew to the other side of the path. At the latest report, it went back to the shoreline at the waterfall base into Upper Pool.

To the Vale Cashmere, Ed C reported Worm eating warbler, another beaut if you like subtle creamy hues. Ed reported scattered number of warbler near the Maryland Monument woods of American redstart,Nashville and chestnut sided. How much I like to get one of them on free time if I had it.

For blueish birds , both Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting appeared together at Greenwood Cemetery Dellwater, atop an elm tree.

 A red bird too ? Well go to Fort Greene Park where Summer Tanager showed up.

With all this rain, flooding built up in meadow depressions. And that attract the likes of Solitary Sandpiper seen today at the Nethermead west section pool.

And if you like a good Sparrow, Orrin T found a white crowned at Greenwood's crypts at Crescent Water

And lastly, if you still want to see the famous ANHINGA, she's still here, hiding out on low branches of Three Sisters northwest corner. Kathy T reported from the Peninsula thumb.