A first year PROTHONOTARY WARBLER continued at Prospect Parks Lily Pond on Wednesday 8/19. Seen briefly from the Binnen Bridge, but best views were from the viewing platform on the east side of the pond, from which it was seen in the morning along the opposite edge of the pond, an area difficult to view from other vantages. On a second visit in the early afternoon the bird appeared at closer range, just to the left of the platform. It was mostly working within the first layer of foliage without exposing itself for extended periods; this habit, along with the presence of similarly plumaged Blue-winged and Yellow Warblers in the same area made it somewhat challenging to pick out.
Overall activity was low, with few migrants on hand. The only other notable bird was a MERLIN on a familiar perch above the Nethermead. These are not typically around in summer, but I had a sighting in the same spot on 7/29, and last year one was seen regularly throughout the summer. This may be a single returning bird (and Ive seen nothing to indicate breeding) but Peter Dorosh mentioned that hed seen one at Coney Island in July, so perhaps more are finding their way to our region during this season. Good birding, Alex Wilson Brooklyn, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Temporary archive: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
