Exploring a Littoral Natural Oasis: Breeders and Shorebirds of Plumb Beach June 6th

Ibises flyover , top bird is a rare White faced Ibis.Photo by Barbara Schelkle

Leader Peter Dorosh

https://ebird.org/checklist/S353998295

(Thanks to HY Kim collaborating with Barbara compiling the list)

Hilights White faced Ibis with Glossy Ibises flyover, Hudsonian Whimbrels, White Rumped Sandpiper, Killdeer with chicks ( running on beach)

Adam Subels photo gallery

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SOcAFRvel8t5ERpdCl9LWeKYnrYqatNq

Remains of a spiny or smooth dogfish shark

"The poetry of the earth is never dead"

--John Keats










   

Fwd: Thursday BBC Spring Migration Walk 5/28/26

Led by Chris Miller

Highlight was a mega Mississippi Kite over the ballfields, an exceptional sighting and culmination of the Thursday walks.

"The poetry of the earth is never dead"

--John Keats










   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Chris Miller <cmnyc79@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, May 28, 2026, 4:57 PM
Subject: Thursday Spring Migration Walk 5/28/26
To: prosbird@gmail.com <Prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc: Tom Stephenson <12toms@gmail.com>, Dennis Hrehowsik <deepseagangster@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

We had a great walk with beautiful weather and a wonderful group of people today. 

Our big highlight spotted by Michele was a Mississippi Kite soaring high above the 

ballfields. Other highlights included 7 warbler species, Scarlet Tanager, Orchard Oriole 

and quite a variety of birds on nests. 

Here's the list:

Canada Goose 
Mute Swan 
Wood Duck 
Mallard 
Rock Pigeon 
Mourning Dove 
Chimney Swift 

Spotted Sandpiper 

Laughing Gull 

Black-crowned Night Heron 
Green Heron 
Great Blue Heron 
Osprey 
Cooper's Hawk 
Mississippi Kite 
Red-tailed Hawk 
Red-bellied Woodpecker 
Downy Woodpecker 
Eastern Wood-Pewee 
Great Crested Flycatcher 
Eastern Kingbird 
Eastern Warbling Vireo 
Red-eyed Vireo 
Blue Jay 
Barn Swallow 
Northern House Wren
European Starling 
Gray Catbird 
Swainson's Thrush 
Wood Thrush 
American Robin 
Cedar Waxwing 
House Sparrow 
Song Sparrow 
Orchard Oriole 
Baltimore Oriole 
Red-winged Blackbird 
Brown-headed Cowbird 
Common Grackle 
Ovenbird 
Common Yellowthroat 
American Redstart 
Northern Parula 
Magnolia Warbler 
Northern Yellow Warbler 
Canada Warbler 
Scarlet Tanager 
Northern Cardinal

https://ebird.org/checklist/print?subID=S348423241

Best,

Chris Miller

Fwd: Tuesday walk recap

Last spring bbc tuesday walk

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ryan Goldberg <ryan.goldberg@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, May 26, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Subject: Tuesday walk recap
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

The last Tuesday walk of the season was not without excitement. We watched the male Wood Thrush of the Butterfly Meadow nest sing for a long time, we spent a long while watching the male Indigo Bunting sing from the pin oaks around there, and then, toward the end of the walk, we came across a Hairy Woodpecker nest in the woods and watched as the dad fed an enormous grub to two very hungry chicks. That was a magical moment. Other highlights included an Olive-sided Flycatcher on some snags near the Wellhouse, a Cooper's Hawk eating some small mammal near its Lookout Hill nest, and a pair of Northern Rough-winged Swallows on the Upper Pool.

Here is our list from today: https://ebird.org/checklist/S347342289.

It's been a wonderful season. I feel lucky to spend these mornings with people who are so full of curiosity and excitement for the birds here. Thank you to Angie and Megan for co-leading this season, as well all the experienced regulars who shared their knowledge. We finished the season with lunch at Double Windsor on Prospect Park West, which may well become a tradition.

Ryan

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Fwd: Thursday Spring Migration Walk 5/21/26

Leader Chris Miller

Thursday BBC walk

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Chris Miller <cmnyc79@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, May 21, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Subject: Thursday Spring Migration Walk 5/21/26
To: prosbird@gmail.com <Prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc: Tom Stephenson <12toms@gmail.com>, Dennis Hrehowsik <deepseagangster@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,
Despite the dreary weather we had a good turnout with more than 50 people today.
Highlights included Canada Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Scarlet
Tanager and several Gray-cheeked Thrushes. We had 42 species total.

Here's the list:

Mute Swan
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Great Blue Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Fish Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Barn Swallow
Northern House Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Veery
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Swainson's Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Common Grackle
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Canada Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal

https://ebird.org/checklist/S343428689

Best,
Chris Miller

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Fwd: Migration Morning at Brooklyn Bridge Park 5-20-2026

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Mike Yuan <mjyuan@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, May 20, 2026, 6:18 PM
Subject: Migration Morning at Brooklyn Bridge Park 5-20-2026
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc: Dennis Hrehowsik <deepseagangster@gmail.com>

Peter-

We had a lovely final spring outing of the season at Brooklyn Bridge Park, getting in a few hours before it heated up.

18 of us started at the mature locust trees under the Brooklyn Bridge, where a few BLACKPOLL WARBLERS and COMMON YELLOWTHROATS fed. On Pier 1, we heard unseen SWAINSON'S THRUSHES before finally getting good looks at a pair on the ground in the Vale.

On the condo path between Piers 1 and 2, we got more looks at ground birds on the path - OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, and a saw a a CANADA WARBLER above us.

On Pier 3, we welcomed our summer residents - COMMON TERNS, and chanced upon a continuing late DARK-EYED JUNCO.

Great to bird with a dedicated group this season, and look forward to regrouping in September!

39 Species:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S343042713

-Mike

Fwd: Tuesday BBC walk recap

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ryan Goldberg <ryan.goldberg@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, May 19, 2026, 2:29 PM
Subject: Tuesday walk recap
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

Today's walk had an end-of-season feel to it, not surprising with the near record high temps. We stuck to the shaded woods and so did the birds; a few highlights were a mixed flock of warblers including Canada and Tennessee by the Binnen Bridge, bathing Bay-breasted, Baltimore Oriole, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the Picnic House creek, and a Gray-cheeked Thrush in the woods south of Litchfield Villa.

Still, it was relatively quiet despite the high overnight migration. Birds must be taking the prolonged spell of SW winds to get to their northern breeding territories. We observed 50 species. Here's our list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S342393231.

Next week is our final walk of the season! Thanks to Angie for co-leading and the many birders who joined today.

Ryan

Fwd: Sunday's GWC Two Michelle's BBC walk

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: michelle
Date: Sun, May 17, 2026, 7:19 PM
Subject: Sunday's GWC Two Michelle's walk
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc: >

Hi Peter,

Michelle and I had a beautiful spring Sunday leading the BBC walk. We were joined by several BBC first-timers and out-of-town guests.

We observed 68 wonderful species in total. Birding highlights included both tanagers, several warblers as expected, and a Yellow-breasted Chat that provided excellent views while foraging in the open. We also witnessed Baltimore Orioles, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and a Downy Woodpecker nest-building. Other sightings included fresh goslings in Sylvan Water, a fledgling Starling being fed, a young groundhog, and a small lizard.

Special thanks to Val for volunteering to compile the eBird list, which can be found here: 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S341071023

See you outside,

The Michelle's

Fwd: Thursday Spring Migration Walk

Leaders Chris Miller and Michelle

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Chris Miller <cmnyc79@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, May 14, 2026, 5:37 PM
Subject: Thursday Spring Migration Walk
To: prosbird@gmail.com <Prosbird@gmail.com>, Tom Stephenson <12toms@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

Despite the rainy weather forecast, Michele and I had a nice group of people today. The park was very birdy with highlights including Blackburnian Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Canada Warbler, Kentucky Warbler and Swainson's Warbler. Migration felt near its peak with 21 warbler species on our list!

We had 67 species total.

Mute Swan 
Wood Duck 
Mallard 
Rock Pigeon 
Mourning Dove 
Chimney Swift 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 
Laughing Gull 
Double-crested Cormorant 
Green Heron 
Red-tailed Hawk 
Red-bellied Woodpecker 
Downy Woodpecker 
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 
Great Crested Flycatcher 
Eastern Kingbird 
Blue-headed Vireo 
Eastern Warbling Vireo 
Red-eyed Vireo 
Blue Jay 
American Crow 
Fish Crow 
Tufted Titmouse 
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 
Barn Swallow 
Northern House Wren 
European Starling 
Gray Catbird 
Northern Mockingbird 
Veery 
Swainson's Thrush 
American Robin 
Cedar Waxwing 
House Sparrow 
American Goldfinch 
Song Sparrow 
Orchard Oriole 
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird 
Common Grackle 
Ovenbird 
Northern Waterthrush 
Black-and-white Warbler 
Swainson's Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Kentucky Warbler 
Common Yellowthroat 
Hooded Warbler 
American Redstart 
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula 
Magnolia Warbler 
Bay-breasted Warbler 
Blackburnian Warbler 
Northern Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler 
Blackpoll Warbler 
Black-throated Blue Warbler 
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 
Black-throated Green Warbler 
Canada Warbler 
Summer Tanager 
Scarlet Tanager 
Northern Cardinal 
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 
Indigo Bunting

Best,
Chris Miller
instagram.com/otrodios

Early Bird Special Walk: Clove Lake Park, Staten Island May 8

 Leader Peter Dorosh

https://ebird.org/checklist/S337971832

BBC field trip

Staten Island: Clove Lakes Park, Great Kills Park, Miller’s Field

8 May 2026

 

 

(Sightings from Clove Lakes un-notated, Great Kills (GK), Miller’s Field (MF)

 

 

Canada Goose

Northern Mallard

 

Common Loon (GK)

 

Double-crested Cormorant

 

Black-crowned Night Heron

Great Egret

Snowy Egret (GK)

 

Turkey Vulture

Osprey (GK)

Red-tailed Hawk (MF)

Sharp-shinned Hawk (GK)

 

Solitary Sandpiper

American Oystercatcher (GK)

 

Laughing Gull (GK)

Great Black-backed Gull (GK)

Herring Gull (GK)

Ring-billed Gull (GK)

 

Mourning Dove

Rock Pigeon

 

Chimney Swift

 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

 

Northern Flicker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

 

Great-crested Flycatcher

 

White-eyed Vireo

Blue-headed Vireo

Warbling Vireo

 

Fish Crow (GK)

 

Barn Swallow

Tree Swallow (GK)

Bank Swallow (GK)

 

White-breasted Nuthatch

 

House Wren

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

 

American Robin

Wood Thrush

Veery

 

Northern Mockingbird (GK)

European Starling

Grey Catbird

 

 

Common Yellowthroat

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

Black-and-white Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Northern Parula

American Redstart

Northern Waterthrush

Black-throated Green Warbler

Mourning Warbler

 

Song Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Eastern Towhee

 

Scarlet Tanager

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Northern Cardinal

 

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Baltimore Oriole

 

House Sparrow

--

64 species

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Fwd: Tuesday BBC walk recap

Leader Ryan Goldberg

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ryan Goldberg <ryan.goldberg@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, May 12, 2026, 5:43 PM
Subject: Tuesday walk recap
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

We had a fun outing today with the largest group I can remember for a Tuesday walk, over 60 people. The birds didn't disappoint. Black cherry trees were warbler magnets all over the park, including one near your recently-planted white oak; that tree alone had eight or 10 species, including several Bay-breasted and a Tennessee that came lower than any I can recall in spring. Thanks to Karen for the tip on that. 

Other highlights include a calling Acadian Flycatcher in the woods north of the maintenance yard, several Canada Warblers seen up close, and a Scarlet Tanager bathing in the Picnic House creek. A few people from our group saw the Mourning Warbler by the Vanderbilt Playground before the walk started and after breaking off mid-morning.

Here's our list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S337869497. We observed 72 species on the day, among them 18 warbler species, not counting the Mourning.

Thanks to Angie, Megan, and the many other experienced birders who pitched in today. We have two more weeks left in the season!

Ryan

--

Ryan Goldberg (he/him)

ryangoldberg.net

(908) 489-7220