January 1st 2018 New Years Prospect Park

Prospects New Year's boids

Two former Presidents , Peter and Rob on the left and new President Dennis looking for Snow Geese ( behind the Snow fence)

12 brave souls braving the frigid 8 degree weather at the beginning of the walk.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
     And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
     And auld lang syne!

    
     For auld lang syne, my dear,
     For auld lang syne.
     We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
     For auld lang syne.

At 8 degrees and 9 am would intimidated birders to forget about birding outdoors this morning in Prospect Park. Who would want to bear one of the coldest days ,frigid fingers and breathing in Arctic air? Well don't tell that to 12 brave souls who came on the traditional New Year's day walk; after all we have to celebrate the joy of birding and the promises of new year hopes and keep up with new and old acquaintances.

Even with 31 species recorded,several birds were quality species. The group found the four SNOW GEESE along the ballfields northern snow fence ( appropriately); the poor things looked frigid, immovable even as we approached the fence.

A scan of Upper Pool found a large CANADA GOOSE flock,most them heads tucked in,half asleep with wary eyes towards us,trying to forget it's really cold. However the lack there of,a pair of WOOD DUCKS snuggled in the corner,alert when we passed by.

After a quiet Ravine,the northeast corner of the Nethermead came through with hot,well warm action.In the corner the iconic Osage Orange tree stands,BROWN CREEPER,YELLOW BELLIED SAPSUCKER,MERLIN & RED TAILED HAWK were spotted. At Center Drive's hard curve,the large important Sweetgum tree above and ground level attracted MOURNING DOVE,WHITE THROATED SPARROWS,DARK EYED JUNCOS & RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS.

The feeders continued to remain below average observing but it's the new year and there's hope. House Finches remain dominant.

Along the way as the group dissipated,a few more winter hardies. HERMIT THRUSH,SWAMP SPARROW & RED BELLIED WOODPECKER added to our burgeoning new year list.

The first day of the year is not about starting off a big year,or trying to get a head start .It's about appreciating life, reinvigorating old and creating new acquaintances, and being glad we made it to another year. It's important to not get stressed out chasing stuff but rather enjoy the fun part of birding and the discoveries we will make while we experience the joy of birding with friends new and old alike.

Happy New Year to all and the best of 2018 to you.

Thanks Chris Laskowski compiling list

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41532631

Thanks Peter for leading a fun day of birding.  Rob emailed that he had 2 Mockingbirds by LeFrak.

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Chris Laskowski <celaskowski@yahoo.com>
To: Chris Laskowski <celaskowski@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2018 1:38 PM
Subject: eBird -- Prospect Park -- Jan 1, 2018

Prospect Park

Jan 1, 2018

9:05 AM

Traveling

2.50 miles

159 Minutes

All birds reported? Yes

Comments: BBC walk led by Peter Dorosh 

Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.5.2 Build 140

4 Snow Goose

100 Canada Goose

7 Mute Swan

2 Wood Duck -- Upper pool

40 Mallard

1 American Black Duck

3 Ruddy Duck

2 Red-tailed Hawk

15 American Coot

300 Ring-billed Gull

20 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)

10 Mourning Dove

1 Red-bellied Woodpecker

2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

2 Downy Woodpecker

1 Merlin

3 Blue Jay

2 Brown Creeper

1 Hermit Thrush

4 American Robin

5 European Starling

3 Fox Sparrow

6 Dark-eyed Junco

10 White-throated Sparrow

2 Song Sparrow

1 Swamp Sparrow

6 Northern Cardinal

10 Red-winged Blackbird

10 House Finch

2 American Goldfinch

7 House Sparrow

Number of Taxa: 31

Sent from my iPhone