Bird Joy \'berd-joi\ n

1: happiness and delight stirred by the sights and
sounds of birds  2: a web site that shares the love
of birds and nature in New York City and beyond

Photo by Ron Austing 

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Introduction
November 28, 2004

Thanks so much for your enthusiastic responses to my last bird and nature report. It thrills me to hear how much you are enjoying my monthly updates. This report includes short, informational sections that I hope you continue to find fun and interesting. Read them at one sitting or digest a couple at a time. As always, these monthly reports will be a combination of follow-up reports to our walks plus observations and news that I enjoy sharing.

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Bird Alerts/Interesting Sightings

~ Great Horned Owl: This impressive species continues in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY. Last fall, we were lucky to have a Long-eared Owl. This year, the great horned is the talk of the park. I'm so glad that I saw this magnificent bird Thanksgiving eve. Thanks to Steve Nanz's picture there is proof that this bird is more than wishful, holiday dreaming. Many of us are hoping that it sticks around long enough to be included during the park's Christmas Bird Count (see info on my last page).

Great Horned Owl by Steve Nanz

~ Ash-throated Flycatcher: Well, if the owl isn't exciting enough, a flycatcher from the myiarchus genus has been positively identified. First spotted on November 22 in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY, the bird gave many birders a run for their money as it often gave distant, partially hidden views in poor lighting. Finally on November 27, seven birders from Prospect Park got excellent looks in good lighting and agreed: it's an Ash-throated Flycatcher!

Some of you might be asking what is so special about this bird. First, consider that it is a western species and any sightings east from Texas make it a rare visitor, also referred to in ornithological terms as a vagrant.

It's also exciting because many flycatcher species, including those in the myiarchus as well as empidonax genera are very challenging to identify, especially when feathers are worn and/or are molting. Remember, it took seven birders and good lighting to finally clinch a positive id.

What makes myiarchus flycatchers so difficult to identify?

Ash-throated Flycatcher Photos by Steve Nanz

The devil is definitely in the details when it comes to certain flycatchers. While there are a number of field marks to consider, one of the most important in myiarchus species are undertail markings. Look for how the coloring spans vertically and, if applicable, horizontally across the undertail. If there is brown-gray across the undertail tip, offsetting a rusty center, it's an Ash-throated Flycatcher. If there is no dark band across the undertail tip, you'll have to consider contrasting body colors, beak size, and intensity of tertial edges to determine if it's a Brown-crested, etc.

Of course, calls are a big help. Although I haven't experienced the Ash-throated's call, in a recent spring trip to the Rio Grande, I observed many Brown-crested Flycatchers. Most memorable were their riotous "keerp" calls. These calls are very different than what David Sibley notes for Ash-throated Flycatchers.

To help you understand the differences, I recommend that you look at David Sibley's field guides. He illustrates the undertails, which will help you note the contrasting field marks. (Peterson field guides do not.)

~ Mountain Bluebird: Lastly, this western species continues to delight lucky birders in Robert Moses State Park, Long Island, New York. Hopefully, this most recent storm front hasn't whisked away the beautiful bird.

I must say that I never expected the bird to outdo our Eastern Bluebird, but it does. The Mountain Bluebird has longer wings, a sleeker body, and a more graceful flight. It is quite an elegant bluebird. Its flash of cerulean blue is magnificent.

Since this was my first time observing a Mountain Bluebird, its prolonged hovering then dropping down to catch insects absolutely delighted me. It worked the patch of grass with all the determination of a kestrel. It also darted out from branches in flycatcher style, then returned to a different perch. Yes, it is a marvelous bird to watch. To compare three North American bluebird species explore: Bluebirds at Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology .

To get to the bluebird, note the following directions: Park in field #5 in the northwest corner near two white dumpsters. Walk behind the dumpsters along the closed exit road and towards the parkway. Look for the Mountain Bluebird on shrubs and pine trees edging the closed road as well as the picket fence and wooden rail. Sometimes it sallies out and down onto the grass skirting the parkway.

"I rejoice that there are owls."
Henry Thoreau

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Copyright © Arleen O'Brien, All Rights Reserved, 2004

This is a personal web page. However, if you have questions about Prospect Park and the Audubon Center, please click: http://www/prospectpark.org. Or, you may contact me at 718-287-3400 ext. 109. Enjoy the birds! Arleen O'Brien, Education Curator & Senior Naturalist.

I take great care to acknowledge photographers, authors, etc. in this web site. If you notice an error, please feel free to contact me so that I may properly give credit. To do so, click my name.