May 14, 2022
A sincere “thank you” to the Brooklyn Bird Club for welcoming me with open arms. Your company made my day.
It was a lively spring morning in Brooklyn. Gray Catbirds sang their boisterous songs while American Robins bounced around in search of worms. They added a cheery sentiment to the park that you might not notice unless it was missing.
The last time I was at Prospect Park was in February. I crawled out of bed at 6 am and got dressed with one eye open in hopes of finding an American Woodcock reported days earlier. Upon exiting the subway station, frigid wind blew up both of my jacket sleeves. I quickly realized I wasn’t dressed for the weather with my denim jacket and bare hands. It was going to be a long day.
Long story short, I walked a single lap around the park and left. My hands felt like they were buried in snow every time I pulled them out of my pockets to investigate a bird. I’m a little embarrassed I didn’t stick it out now that I’m writing this in a warm room, but I wasn’t feeling inspired and don’t like forcing these things. I thought to myself, “That’s ok, at least you have the lay of the land now.” I knew I’d go back at some point.
These photos are from my return visit in May when, of course, it was much warmer and birdsong buzzed from every direction. Lesson learned: don’t get dressed half asleep!
As if the dozens of singing birds weren’t enough of a sign that it was spring, baby Mute Swans were another dead giveaway.
About an hour into wandering through Prospect Park, I encountered a group of fifteen or so people holding binoculars. They introduced themselves as members of the Brooklyn Bird Club and invited me along on their “Spring Birdathon” in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. One lady said, “our bird count is at 55 and we’re not stoppin’ till we hit 100.” I smiled and thought, “these are my people.”
Within minutes of joining them, the group leader pointed out a singing Warbling Vireo photographed above.
Someone in the group called out, “Northern Waterthrush!” in a shaded, swampy area. We all rushed over. This was a new bird for me, so I stayed behind a few minutes to try for a decent shot. I like how his long legs are positioned in this one.
Meanwhile, a Black-crowned Night Heron’s red eyes, long plumes, strong beak, and thick bed of shiny feathers were on display as he preened by the lake’s edge.
If I didn’t know any better, I would think the iridescent hues on the Common Grackle above were artificial. I can assure you they’re not; it’s a Common Grackle au naturel! Looks like he caught some sort of centipede after all of his hard work rummaging through the leaves.
I had to leave for work and don’t know if Brooklyn Bird Club ever did hit 100 birds. Regardless, it was a memorable day birdwatching with a wonderful group of people.
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Gone Birdin' 